Pickering eyes possibility of hosting gaming facility

City could declare itself a willing host

PICKERING -- Following the announcement that a new casino will be built in the GTA, several Pickering councillors are hoping to throw the City's name in the ring as a potential host.

On March 12 the Province announced several proposals aimed at increasing gaming revenue, including changing the fee structure for municipalities hosting casinos, closing or relocating some facilities, allowing slots to be built independent of racetracks and building a full casino in the GTA.

At council meeting Monday, March 26, Councillor Kevin Ashe put forward a notice of motion to declare the City of Pickering as a willing host for a future gaming facility.

"Although Toronto is probably the preferred location, the Province does have significant land holdings in Pickering along the 407 corridor," Coun. Ashe explained of his motion, which was seconded by Coun. David Pickles.

"There will certainly be some debate about the appropriate location of a gaming facility, but I was of the mind that Pickering should not be excluded from consideration. One criteria for the location is to be a willing host."

If approved, the motion would prompt the City to declare itself as a willing host by sending a document stating as much to area MPPs and OLG officials.

Coun. Ashe thinks a casino could be a good fit for the planned employment lands in Seaton.

"Certainly there will be debate about whether gaming is good or bad socially, but the reality is the provincial government has made the determination that gaming is an opportunity for revenue generation," Coun. Ashe said, noting the success of such facilities can be seen locally at Ajax Downs, with the Town of Ajax receiving more than $30 million in host fees since the slots opened in 2006.

"It would certainly bring a much-needed revenue stream to Pickering for infrastructure and other much-needed endeavours as our population grows over the years to come," Coun. Ashe said.

The motion will be discussed by council at its next meeting on Monday, April 16.